A worthwhile read.. Sammie Stroughter's story

CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Sammie Stroughter crouched down and waited, before popping up and skipping down the sideline, whooping, hollering and slapping high-fives with teammates. "I see you, I see you boy!" the Oregon State senior receiver crowed to safety James Dockery, who had just grabbed an interception. He ran up and thumped Dockery in the chest, all while talking a little trash to the defense. Coaches, players and fans at Oregon State's spring game on May 3 looked at each other and shook their heads, smiling. Their expressions all said the same thing: Thank goodness Stroughter is back.

A year ago Stroughter slipped slowly into a world of isolation and depression, racked by guilt, self-doubt and loneliness. That energetic, boisterous receiver with the infectious smile who became the poster boy for Oregon State football almost overnight was gone. In his place was a quiet, introverted Sammie, one who didn't smile or talk and didn't look like he wanted any part of football.